Did I just make a huge mistake? Front end has NO give after lift

[jaredawoodruff]

Hey,

I just lifted my '98 4runner using the FJ/80 Tundra method with Bilstein 5100s. Much like the one here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/101758-rickashays-ome-vs-trd-tundra-lc-review.html

However, I bought some Toytec/Eibach front coils for 3" of lift. After I installed everything, there is NO give up front. It's just rock solid and I bounce around everywhere I go. The springs also looked like they were snaking around a little when in the struts. The snap ring on the Bilsteins looks like it's being pushed down as if the spring seat thing is about to push it out.

All seems really sketchy to me and now I'm super paranoid.

Will it soften up soon or should I bite the bullet and get those Tundra springs ASAP and swap as soon as I can?

Thanks guys

 

[Gerdo]

If you can see the snap ring, then the lower spring seat is upside down.

 

[jaredawoodruff]

OMG.....After all that, I mess up just that part. Well sh*t. It's gonna be a pain to do over again but oh well. At least I have tomorrow off from work.

Having it too compressed over night shouldn't hurt anything, right?

 

[fluffeh]

Yeah, I did the same thing when I did my lift, although I couldn't compress it nearly enough to get it on upside down. I'm actually sort of impressed. If you're worried about it being too compressed, just put the front end on jack stands over night and it'll relieve it.

 

[jaredawoodruff]

Hmmmm I got to thinking and I'm wondering if I should just leave it on the ground because if anything fails it may very well be the snap ring that goes.

If I take the weight off, that's 620 Lbs pulling the shock OUT of it's housing.

I figure it's less expensive to order new snap rings than the whole shock.

Maybe I'm wrong?

 

[NachoPitt]

No shouldn't hurt anything - just be careful on disassembly and you will be fine. Common mistake

 

[Gerdo]

The reason it rides so rough is due to the shocks being extended to their near or full length. You hit a bump and there is some compression then the shock fully extends and suddenly stops. This is the harsh ride.

The stock height is about 20" (hub center to wheel well lip). I would suggest not going over 3.5" (23.5" - 24", hub to fender) of lift.

It should look something like this.

 

[jaredawoodruff]

Just flipped the seats and holllyyyy crap that's a world of difference. Rides like a boss now.

I guess I'm just gonna have to get used to the body roll while turning.

It's Christmas time so I can't get an alignment right now, have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday.

I'll be posting a thread soon.

 

[Tim McBride]

Did you remember to loosen the control arm bolts (upper and Lower) and then re tighten them only after it was sitting on the ground? This helps also.

Should be done when ever you install a lift or change anything on the front suspension.